An Electricity and Sustainable Transport plan for developing clean, competitive transport
Presented by Tractebel Engineering
CONTEXT
From a sustainable development point of view, electric rail transport is an answer that needs to be considered (in terms of reducing pollution and noise, etc.). But to really compete with road and air transport, its installation and electricity consumption costs must be optimised - and that means seeing the big picture. It is in this context that Tractebel Engineering conceived and developed the Electricity and Sustainable Transport plan.
INNOVATION
The Electricity and Sustainable Transport plan is innovative in its holistic approach and in taking into account the major railrelated disciplines using Samurail, an accelerated-time simulation programme developed in partnership with CORYS T.E.S.S. This tool starts by analysing the existing and/or future network to determine its infrastructure, rolling-stock and energy needs. With the aid of the electrical simulation programme EMTP-RAIL, Samurail optimally scales the electricity supply and traction equipment. Finally, an onboard operating optimisation unit in each vehicle allows energy consumption to be reduced.
RESULTS
The Electricity and Sustainable Transport plan improves the competitiveness of electric rail transport by providing total control of the many interactions between the various railroad-related disciplines, and enables investments, service offerings and energy to be optimised. It helps to reduce pollution and decrease the level of road and air transport and so improves the quality of life. Lastly, it creates jobs locally. Tractebel implemented its plan in 2006 as part of the broad-gauge 'rail motorway' project between Lyons, France, and Turin, Italy.
